Heya Scott,

That is bad news about the hip. Can I ask what device it is? I have a Birmingham, which is going on 5 years old.

Cheers,

Baz

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scott mckerc said..
Little update with my resurfaced hip from 7 years ago

Was singing praise before , but the last week has me changing my tune.

cobalt poisoing has eaten away the bone the cup was inserted into. (much more painful than any point before original replacment.)

replaced hip now needing a bone graft with a full ceramic/ titanium replacement.

Not ideal

That's not good news. I had followed your story regarding your hip resurfacing from when you had it done and thought that it looked like a good option as I was going through the same issues at the time, but was put off by all the bad story's on tv and on the net regarding the metal components used in these op's. I have struggled through for the last 7 years by getting out of the construction industry and getting into a softer job on the body which I think gave me an extra 3-4 years before I couldn't last any longer. It had certainly hindered on windsurfing and other sports that I did. I finally decided to visit a surgeon this year to discuss my options and within 3 months I was on the table getting a full replacement done. Have had a ceramic on ceramic joint implanted and I am sitting home at the 3 week mark now and feeling great. Off crutches after about 2 weeks and heeling well and feeling stronger day by day. In the end I'll be able to do anything I used to do accept run distance. Dr could not see a reason for me to not be back on the water this summer if all goes well.
On another note regarding the bone graft that you require, anyone who is having this operation has the opportunity to donate there femoral head( un-wanted knob ) to the bone and tissue bank to be used for people in this exact situation.
Hope all goes well this time..
Dave

Good to read this thread as I am going to need one soon and happy to know it want stop me surfing.

Anyone have any experience with riding a bike? this is my other enjoyable pastime.

Thanks

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CTS67 said..
Good to read this thread as I am going to need one soon and happy to know it want stop me surfing.

Anyone have any experience with riding a bike? this is my other enjoyable pastime.

Thanks

If you are talking about push bikes then this is another sport that I have not been able to do for some years and I am looking forward to getting back on a bike. One of my work colleague's had same operation just coming on 4 months ago and he was on a bike and ridding a good 15+km's at about the 3 month mark and getting stronger. I am in a sales position now and meet a lot of people in my day, and it amazes me how may people who have had hip replacements are out there, and the lifestyles that they can now lead after the operation. Have spoken to many folk who ride in riding clubs(the good old sunday lycra brigade) with no problem's.
dave

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obijohn said..
Really sorry to hear that Scott. Were you having your metal ion numbers checked periodically, and if so what were the numbers? Any other info such as brand or cup angle to explain the problem?
Hope the revision works out well for you.

Nah. Only just had blood test with no rets yet, but doc reckons my numbers would be through the roof.
Magneto man he reckoned.
not sure of the brand.

I had Scott's problem happen to me four years ago. It was a Smith & Nephew Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System using metal for the top of the femur replacement. Everything was good until black metal sludge made its way to my skin's surface. The metal product is not offered any more. The surgeon waived his gap and installed a Stryker ceramic product over 4 years ago. All good. It's not as strong as before due to muscle wastage as a result of waiting too long for surgery but it is far, far superior to suffering osteoarthritis. Ankle or knee leg ropes feel fine.